Tshinval/Agency Caucasus – South Ossetia follows in the footsteps of Abkhazia and announces official plans to gain the mother tongue of the nation fully expanded functionality both in society and schools.
Eduard Kokoiti, President of South Ossetia, announced at a press conference his administration’s plans to make lots of investment this year in culture, apart from energy, infrastructure and social projects, with the sole aim of gaining momentum to the development of Ossetian language.
Ways to make Ossetian dominant
"It is now the time to attach importance to the development of both Ossetian language and literature, Ossetia’s history, culture and national customs. It is not only a matter of helping the mother tongue develop theoretically; it needs to be done on a practical level as well," said Kokoiti, and listed his administration’s plans to make the Ossetian language become the official, dominant language:
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The educational system will consist of multiple stages. The first step towards gaining a larger share of functionality to the Ossetian language in society is to publish books that children can read in Ossetian. Those books will have fables and other kinds of literature that will be appreciated mostly by preschoolers.
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Children will know the Ossetian language before they start school.
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The Ossetian language as well as the Ossetian literature will become part of the curriculum.
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Text books will cover in larger sections the history, culture and tradition of the Ossetian people.
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High school students will take tests on the Ossetian language, the Ossetian literature, Ossetia’s history, culture and tradition before they graduate.
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All departments at Ossetian universities will have students take a test on the language and literature of Ossetia when they apply to a university program.
Ossetian leader scorns intellectuals
"Only with those plans can the Ossetian language revive," said Kokoiti, and added that he would offer North Ossetia’s President Taymuraz Mamsurov cooperation in their work of language development.
All children’s books would be published in South Ossetia with a view towards boosting the publishing business, said Kokoiti.
He was critical of the intellectuals when he said they were not least worried about preservation of the national tradition. Kokoiti ended his press conference with his words that he would have meetings with the intellectuals and ask them to help struggle against deterioration of the national culture. ÖZ/FT
